10 DECEMBER 2016

Wilder Targets The ‘Vulnerable’ Klitschkos

Unbeaten heavyweight prospectDeontay Wilder has earmarked a world title clash with one of the Klitschko brothers early next year before crossing the Atlantic to take care of brash-talking Tyson Fury.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’, who has sent impressed after laying out all 29 of his past opponents, returns to the ring this weekend to face Nicolai Firtha on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ world title defence against Karo Murat in Atlantic City.

Speaking exclusively to BoxNation, the imposing 6ft 7in bruiser from Tuscaloosa, Alabama has his sights firmly fixed on becoming the next heavyweight champion of the world by dethroning the current kings of the division – the Klitschko brothers – who he believes have their vulnerabilities.

“I’m thinking early-to-mid next year [for a world title shot]. We’re trying to line it up now. At the moment I’m ranked number three by the WBC so we’re in planning right now. I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me,” said Wilder.

“Everybody has weaknesses - the Klitschko’s have weaknesses as well too. It’s just up to fighters to find them when they’re in the ring.

“It’s always shorter fighters fighting them - that’s one thing I don’t understand - but when the shorter fighters are in the ring with them their whole objective is to get in the inside and try and throw overhands. You can’t just have one plan when going in with them,” he explained.

“Deontay Wilder is the next heavyweight champion of the world - the next undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I feel the heavyweight division will be restored, these things move in cycles,” Wilder declared.

A potential fight which has been brewing nicely, ever since an impromptu coming together when the pair locked horns during a recent boxing event in Rotherham, is a mouth-watering matchup with British star Tyson Fury.

With Wilder having also been in camp with David Haye, helping the Londoner get ready ahead of his initially arranged September showdown with Fury, the blue touch paper has been lit, clearing the way for an inevitable coming together.

“The fight between me and Tyson Fury will definitely happen one day soon. The hype has been building like it’s been planned and once it gets to the peak where it’s an absolute must that fight’s going to happen,” said Wilder.

“When that fight happens we want it to be the best fight in the history of boxing. Two guys from two different parts of the world coming together for one night for the fans - I think it’s going to be a great fight when that time comes for both of us. We’re both two exciting heavyweights in the division and the fight would be great,” he said.

As two rising undefeated contenders, the bout would reignite the competitive Anglo-American rivalry which has illuminated many fights through history, though, where it takes place is no issue with Wilder.